Monument ransomware virus: What to expect from the new member of the Jigsaw family?

Monument virus is a new version of the Jigsaw ransomware. Malware researchers managed to decrypt Jigsaw[1] quite quickly; thus, new versions of the malware keep emerging. This brand new file-encrypting virus is also known under the DarkLocker name. The virus is a splendid example of scareware.[2] It locks affected computer’s screen and informs about encrypted files. Authors of the Monument ransomware claim that virus attack is a result of watching porn. However, now victims are supposed to transfer 0.15 Bitcoin within 24 hours time in order to get back access to the files. After 24 hour deadline, the size of the ransom increase to 0.20 Bitcoins. What is more, hackers try to convince that delaying and avoiding transferring the payment might lead to unpleasant consequences. According to the ransom message, the virus might delete 1-5 files every single hour. What is more, if hackers do not receive Bitcoins within 48 hours, they will delete all encrypted files. Indeed, this might sound terrifying for the majority of computer users. However, you should not panic and focus on the things that matter the most. In fact, you should concentrate on Monument removal. Later you can think of data recovery possibilities.

Questions about Monument ransomware virus

All file-encrypting viruses append a particular file extension to the targeted documents, video, audio, video and other corrupted files. Though, Monument ransomware adds a quite unique extension. Corrupted filenames include payment instructions. Hence, encrypted file name might look like picture.jpg.To unlock your files send 0.15 Bitcoins to 1P87AphL2mETbyxLV18oJYXgsJxwLfgYiz within 24 hours 0.20 after 24 hours. Moreover, judging from the multilingual ransom note, hackers have ambitious goals to spread Monument ransomware worldwide. The scary ransom-demanding message is written in English, Russian and Spanish languages. Thus, it might be hard to hide from this crypto-malware. However if you already encountered the youngest member of the Jigsaw family, we want to give you a piece of advice. Do not let hackers scare you. Losing your files might look like the end of the world, especially if you do not back up regularly. Instead of rushing to pay the ransom[3], remove Monument from the PC with a help of Reimage. Bear in mind that the original version of the virus is decryptable. Though, malware researchers might find the way to recover encrypted files soon. Meanwhile, you can try additional methods to retrieve encoded documents.

Methods of transmission

Monument malware has been noticed spreading in the bundle with Imminent Monitor remote administration tool (RAT). However, the developers of Jigsaw use various distribution methods and strategies to infect as many computers as possible. Thus, the research of previous versions of the virus allows making the assumptions that this extortionist spread similarly. The virus might get inside the computer after clicking on a malicious email attachment[4] or infected advertisement. Users might also encounter this ransomware after installing bogus software or updates, or with a help of exploit kits. Thus, if Monument virus hasn’t attacked your personal files yet, you should be careful and prepared for the worst. Apart from taking all necessary security precautions[5], you should also make data backups and keep them in the external storage. If you make a tiny mistake and file-encrypting virus manages to sneak inside, backups will save you from giving the money to cyber criminals.

Deletion of Monument ransomware virus

File-encrypting viruses belong to the group of the most dangerous cyber infections. Hence, their elimination should not be delayed and performed correctly. For Monument removal, you need to employ professional malware removal tools, such as MalwarebytesMalwarebytesCombo Cleaner or Reimage. Malware might prevent you from installing or accessing security software; though, you might need to disable the virus. The instructions how to do it are presented below. Don’t forget that disabling the virus does not mean deletion. When you disable the virus, you need to run a full system scan with your chosen software several times. After ransomware attack, data recovery seems the biggest issue for the victims. Sadly, it’s not enough to remove Monument from the PC to decrypt the files. If you do not have data backups, you should try additional recovery methods presented below.

What to do if failed?
If you failed to remove virus damage using Reimage, submit a question to our support team and provide as much details as possible.

Reimage is recommended to remove virus damage. Free scanner allows you to check whether your PC is infected or not. If you need to remove malware, you have to purchase the licensed version of Reimage malware removal tool.

Log in to your infected account and start the browser. Download Reimage or other legitimate anti-spyware program. Update it before a full system scan and remove malicious files that belong to your ransomware and complete Monument removal.

If your ransomware is blocking Safe Mode with Networking, try further method.

When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of Monument. After doing that, click Next.

Now click Yes to start system restore.

Once you restore your system to a previous date, download and scan your computer with Reimage and make sure that Monument removal is performed successfully.

Bonus: Recover your data

Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove Monument from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.

If you do not have data backups, you can try to restore your files using additional methods. We cannot asure that all corrupted data will be rescued. However, at least some of them should be recovered. Bear in mind that the original version of the virus is already decryptable. Thus, you can try to use Jigsaw decrypter and patiently wait for the Monument decryption software.

If your files are encrypted by Monument, you can use several methods to restore them:

Follow the steps below to restore previously saved versions of the encrypted files. However, this method will help you only if System Restore function has been enabled on your PC before ransomware attack.

Find an encrypted file you need to restore and right-click on it;

Select “Properties” and go to “Previous versions” tab;

Here, check each of available copies of the file in “Folder versions”. You should select the version you want to recover and click “Restore”.

Try ShadowExplorer to restore files encrypted by Monument virus

If malware did not delete Shadow Volume Copies of the targeted files, you should use ShadowExplorer to recover your data.

Follow a Shadow Explorer Setup Wizard and install this application on your computer;

Launch the program and go through the drop down menu on the top left corner to select the disk of your encrypted data. Check what folders are there;

Right-click on the folder you want to restore and select “Export”. You can also select where you want it to be stored.

Monument decryptor

The specific Monument decryptor hasn’t been released yet. However, you can try to use Jigsaw decryptor. Maybe it will help to restore at least some of the files. As soon as the necessary decryption softwar will be released, we will update the information.